Cap and gown deliveries for the Class of 2020 are taking place at Marion County high schools.
A “drive-thru” format maintains safe social distancing and offers seniors the opportunity to make memorable moments with school leaders. Visit each school’s home page via www.marionschools.net for specific pickup timeframes based on this schedule and the senior’s last-name initial:
- West Port High – Tuesday, May 12, 10 a.m.-noon for senior signs and yearbooks. Students will receive their caps and gowns through the mail.
- Dunnellon High – Tuesday, May 12, noon-2 p.m.
- Lake Weir High – Tuesday, May 12, 5-7 p.m.
- North Marion High – Thursday, May 14, 9-11:30 a.m.
- Forest High – Friday, May 15, 9 a.m.-noon.
Graduation 2020 plans are set but could change based on COVID-19 conditions. Here’s the current schedule with all ceremonies starting at 9 a.m.:
- June 12 – Marion Technical Institute at Booster Stadium;
- June 15 – Vanguard High at Booster Stadium;
- June 16 – Forest High at Mikey Kelly Stadium;
- June 17 – Lake Weir High at Lake Weir Stadium;
- June 18 – North Marion High at Stan Toole Memorial Stadium;
- June 19 – West Port High at Ken Vianello Stadium;
- June 20 – Belleview High at Brent Hall Field; and
- June 22 – Dunnellon High at Richard Kennedy Stadium.
Each graduate will receive two tickets for guests and social distancing guidelines will be in play at all times. For participation requirements, click HERE.
“Grab & Go” meal service ended its seventh week. On Friday, the program delivered 10,620 breakfast and lunch meals to 5,310 students. “Grab & Go” service started March 24 and has handed out 330,299 meals. A delivery site listing with approximate times is listed HERE featuring 36 schools that prepare and deliver to 164 locations districtwide. Families can call 211 or text “FoodFL” to 877-7877 for their nearest serving location. This program serves all children 18 and under regardless of whether they walk or ride a bicycle, bus or car to school and continues Monday-Friday through June 1. Summer Feeding Program dates have yet to be released.
COVID-19 testing for school district employees is now available. Each Friday, Florida’s Department of Health in Marion County is reserving 20 slots for employees who are asymptomatic. Those seeking testing should call the COVID-19 Call Center at (352) 644-2590 and identify themselves as an employee. Further details will be available then.
Important upcoming dates for students and their parents to remember include:
- May 18 – Student enrollment for the next school year begins by appointment only. Students can also start retrieving items from their classrooms by appointment only.
- May 26 – Last day for seniors
- June 1 – Last day for students. The school year was extended to make up days missed due to COVID-19. This extension meets state requirements for 900 hours of instruction annually.
- June 3 – Chromebook and textbook returns begin. More details on these plans are forthcoming.
- June 8 – Last day for teachers.